The Violence of the cross

"And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force".       Matthew 11:12.  NKJV

This is a verse that has caused much conversation over the years. It is hard to understand the correct meaning of what Jesus meant. The most obvious meaning is that since Jesus established His rule here on earth and people have believed and followed Him spreading His word, non-believers have tried every which way they can to bring it down. But His word is still standing today and no-one can prevent Jesus from getting to the last page of the bible - victory.

Look at all the struggles that Jesus had with the hierarchy of religion of His day. The Pharisees hated Him; the Sadducees hated Him and even some of His own hated Him too. But He had a mission to fulfil and nothing was going to stop Him doing this, not even the cross. He suffered the most awful of deaths to bring us freedom, until HIs mission was over and He cried out, 'It is finished'. Jesus had completed His task.

However, it was not finished for His followers. The apostles and the disciples continued to press on spreading the word against threats of imprisonment, beating or death. But this violence did not stop them. Saul, a respected Pharisee, violently entered believer's home's and had men and women dragged into prison. Some died, many were tortured. But this violent man, Saul was converted on the Damascus Road (Acts 9) and having his name changed to Paul, became a mighty missionary and writer for Jesus. Paul suffered violence in most places he went; he was even stoned and left for dead on one occasion and eventually he ended up in Rome until his execution. 

And this violence and persecution still happens today. There are many countries where Christianity is banned. People are beaten, placed in prisons never to return to their families, and some are executed because of their faith. Speak to anyone who is familiar with the organisation Open Doors and they will tell you what is happening (Note I wrote 'happening' not what has happened. It is still happening even now).

And you and I, have or will suffer persecution because of our faith. Some may be passed over for promotion because of their strong faith. Others may lose their jobs because of it. People speak about people's human rights but it appears to be ignored when it comes down to a person's choice of faith, especially if it is Christian. Surely it is against a person's human rights to allow people to be persecuted for their choices.

None of this will end soon, in fact, persecution will become worse as time goes on but, as CT Studd said, 'If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice is too great for me to make for Him.'

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. 

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

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